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Alva Teachers Complete Race for Life

The atmosphere at Stirling University was amazing on Sunday as a group of Alva Academy teachers raised over £1000 for charity in Race for Life.

A group of teachers from English Department of Alva Academy swapped the books for the training gear as they took part in 'Race for Life' on Sunday 27th May at Stirling University.

The team of runners, who called themselves "The Gallus Lasses" were: Kerry Douglas, principal teacher, Rona Grant, Jo Gibson, Sheena Ogg and her daughters Rosie and Hannah, Ann Cubbit, Angela Starkey and her daughters Charlotte and Olivia, Elaine Lopinska, former principal teacher and Kirsty Syme. They successfully completed the 5k run and raised over £1000 for Cancer Research.

They ran the race in memory of Betty Campbell, a valued member of the English Department, who sadly passed away in January from cancer after a brave fight.

Betty's daughter, Natalie, a third year pupil at the school, also joined the teachers on the 5k run.

Originally the English Department runners had set themselves a target of raising £200, but this quickly topped £600 and on the big day they managed to raise double the amount again.

Everyone got into the spirit of the event with the schoolteachers dressed in pink fancy dress:, cowboy hats, tutus and pink wigs.

The hour of fun before the race set the scene and the mood - with lots of music, the chance to meet up with people they knew, as well as dancing and the warm up before the actual race.

Head Teacher, John Meney, said: "It was an emotional day with both a minute's silence for reflection, as well as lots of cheering to celebrate the money raised."

"The Gallus Lasses" went round the race together, but because it was so hot one of the group, Jo Gibson didn't wear the Elvis costume she had planned, for fear of heat exhaustion on the way round.

The teachers were joined by Elaine Lopinska who was the former Principal Teacher of the English Department and who had worked with Betty Campbell.

Mr Meney added: "Everyone at the race had written on their backs who they were running in memory of and it was hugely emotional for the runners to read all the dedications.

After the event the teachers enjoyed a barbecue at Principal Teacher Kerry Douglas's house and enjoyed the afternoon.

They were joined by Betty's husband, Ian Campbell and her daughter Natalie, who was full of praise for his late wife's colleague's efforts and described the amount raised as "absolutely fantastic."

Mr Meney added: "At present the figure stands at £1,345 on our just giving page and there are still a few donations coming in. We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to this worthy charity. "

It was also announced that the English Department have also organised a Betty Campbell Award, a trophy will be given at the annual prize giving ceremony for a pupil who has made exceptional effort or achievement in creative writing.